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Salad at concession stands!?

A study by Cornell Food & Brand Lab found that offering 5-10 healthy food options and modifying popular items to reduce saturated fats increased revenue and sales. The healthier items accounted for 9.2% of total sales and parental satisfaction also increased.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalJournal of Public Health·DateMar 14, 2014

Healthy food is good for you -- and can sell, too

A University of Iowa-led study found that adding healthy foods to concession stands can increase sales and profits while maintaining customer satisfaction. The study, which involved a school booster club in Muscatine, Iowa, showed that introducing healthier options led to stable sales and revenue increases.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJournal of Public Health·DateMar 11, 2014

The eyes have it

A study published in Biology Letters reveals that jackdaw eyes are used as a means of communication between members of the same species, helping them defend their nests and chicks from competitors. The research suggests that the bright eyes may be an adaptive trait unique to jackdaws.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalBiology Letters·DateFeb 4, 2014

Strong dollar means cross-border shopping heavily influenced by exchange rate

A new study from University of Toronto researchers found that a strong dollar significantly influences Canadian cross-border shopping habits, with distance to the border also playing a crucial role. The research suggests that Canadians are more likely to shop in the US due to the favorable exchange rate and proximity to the border.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalThe Review of Economics and Statistics·DateNov 29, 2013

Political correctness could affect holiday weight gain

A study published in Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes found that people are more likely to choose unhealthy food options for themselves and others when they perceive the other person as overweight. This can lead to poor diet choices, especially during holiday celebrations. The research suggests that marketers should...

SourceDuke University·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateNov 22, 2013

Biochar and water to solve problems in West Africa

A new research project led by Aarhus University scientists aims to improve agricultural production in Ghana using irrigation and biochar. The initiative seeks to increase crop yields, reduce deforestation, and protect the environment while providing more employment opportunities and a better economy for local communities.

Risk of Amazon rainforest dieback is higher than IPCC projects

A new study suggests the southern portion of the Amazon rainforest is at a much higher risk of dieback due to stronger seasonal drying, which could lead to large volumes of carbon dioxide release and disrupt biodiversity. The researchers found that global warming is the most likely explanation for the lengthening dry season.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 21, 2013

Effects of climate change on West Nile virus

A study projects how climate change affects West Nile virus-carrying mosquitoes across the southern US, with changes varying by region. Warmer temperatures and drier conditions may lead to longer mosquito seasons but smaller summer populations.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 9, 2013